The Exciting Return of the Foo Fighters: A Surprise Show to Remember

On September 13, 2025, Foo Fighters electrified fans with their first performance of the year at a surprise show held at the Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo, California. The unexpected event, announced just a day prior, saw eager fans lined up at the box office to secure tickets to this intimate venue, which has a capacity of only 900. This marked an exciting return for the band, who had not played live since the previous September.

Details of the San Luis Obispo Concert

The Foo Fighters delivered a thrilling set list that included a mixture of their timeless classics alongside several songs that hadn’t been performed live in years. Notably, tracks like “Have It All” and “Exhausted” made their much-anticipated return to the stage. The audience was treated to a total of 25 songs, featuring fan favorites such as “Everlong” and “Learn to Fly.” You can view the full set list below:

All My Life
Rope
Have It All (first time since 2015)
Times Like These
Wattershed
Stacked Actors
La Dee Da
These Days
The Pretender
Walk
My Hero (preceded by band introductions)
Learn to Fly
Rescued
Aurora
This Is a Call
No Son of Mine (with Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades” interpolation)
Shame Shame
White Limo
Winnebago (Late! cover, first time since 2014)
Best of You
Encore:
Alone + Easy Target (first time since 2018)
Low
Monkey Wrench
Exhausted (first time since 2014)
Everlong

Introducing the New Drummer: Ilan Rubin

This concert was particularly significant as it marked the debut of Ilan Rubin as the Foo Fighters‘ new drummer. During the show, frontman Dave Grohl took a moment to introduce him, humorously stating, “I finally get the opportunity to say, ladies and gentlemen, will you please welcome, the most badass motherfucker, Ilan Rubin, is playing drums in the Foo Fighters. It’s official.” This lineup change was revealed earlier in July, marking a new chapter for the band.

Fan Reactions and Future Performances

Fans were exhilarated by the surprise nature of the show and the nostalgic set list. The atmosphere was electric, and attendees left the Fremont Theater buzzing with excitement, eagerly awaiting more news on upcoming concerts. While details remain vague about a 2025 performance, the buzz surrounding Foo Fighters news is palpable.

To watch highlights from the concert, including live performances of “Have It All” and “Exhausted“, check out videos shared on Foo Fighters’ official YouTube channel.

The band has a rich history of delivering fantastic live shows, and this surprise concert has left fans hopeful for more spontaneous moments in the future. As the Foo Fighters continue to evolve, the addition of Ilan Rubin promises a fresh yet familiar vibe to their performances.

Stay Tuned for More

The excitement generated by the surprise show in San Luis Obispo highlights the enduring popularity of the Foo Fighters. As they embrace new talent and maintain their rock roots, fans are sure to keep an eye out for the latest updates and performances from this legendary band.